I fly to America in less than three weeks to hit New York, Miami and L.A. Within that time I have a meeting with the L.A. Times, cocktails with Lucy Laucht and I’ll be gracing the legendary parties and beaches of Miami.  I need a versatile capsule wardrobe that sees me looking my best for all destinations whilst leaving space in my suitcase for new purchases! Here’s how to do it…

Your Capsule Suitcase essentials:

Maxi dress (1) –worn three ways

1 oversized shirt – worn three ways

Vests (3) –one worn during your trip

Shoes (2) evening shoes and gladiator sandals or metallic flip flops

Accessories – hats and hair accessories, scarves, belts, jewellery

Handbags (2) – one soft cotton shopper bag for daytime and the beach, one for the evening

Dress (2) – one cocktail / evening dress and one versatile day-to-night dress

Lightweight cardigan (1) – worn during your flight

Lightweight mac or jacket (1) – worn during your flight over the top

Smart jeans (1)

Linen mix trousers/Capris (1)

Skirt (1)

City Shorts (1)

Swimwear (2) – one bikini, one swimsuit

Kaftan: wear on the beach or with a belt for the evening.

Versatile pieces are key to refining your wardrobe abroad; if you take one pair of linen trousers in black or white – you can wear these with the vest tops day or night.  Alter the look from casual daytime to sexy evening wear with a simple change of jewellery and the addition of heels.  A selection of vests will cater to all occasions and collectively pack down to the size of a wash bag.  Ensure they’re good quality and in a mix of colours.  Slinky fabrics and premium cotton look best.

Similarly, a sarong can be worn as a skirt or tied as turban on the beach to protect your hair and scalp from the sun’s rays.  This is an on trend look for the evening too.  Team with oversized gem earrings and your maxi dress for a touch of Far Eastern style.

Metallic sandals look great for the evenings but are comfortable enough to wear for the day.  Your swimsuit looks fantastic teamed with skinny jeans and heels as a figure hugging top especially in juicy colours like hot pink and city shorts can be worn day or night too.

A kaftan in a lightweight silk-chiffon fabric is less likely to crease and you can layer them over trousers, wear to the beach or in the evening by cinching in at the waist with a sparkly belt and your heels (so long as the length is right).  Just past the knee is ideal. In fact, concentrate on accessories, belts change an outfit and lots of jewellery will transform your look.

An oversized shirt looks fabulous worn open over vests and with skinny jeans and heels, tied in a knot over a dress or by the pool when it is hot.  I also wear my maxi dress in three ways.  Opt for a style with an elastic waist panel and skimpy top half as you can fold in the top ensuring it is neatly tucked inside and wear as a maxi skirt or pull the skirt up to wear as a strapless dress. The elastic panel will ensure it stays in place then add shape to the dress with a belt.  Team with your evening bag, heels and sparkly accessories and you’re ready for cocktails!  Watch my Style Video for a how-to demonstration.

To the airport, I wear a lightweight cardigan and a blazer or mac with a simple vest and my skinny jeans and flip flops.  This keeps me warm when the air con kicks in on-flight and they’re versatile pieces to add to your outfit on holiday.

Some top tips for packing:

Lay it all out on the bed before you pack and ensure you’ve not over packed – stick to your favourites and the clothes you feel best in.

Put heavy items (shoes, hairdryer) on the bottom of your case/bag and store in laundry bags.

Lay out delicate easy-crease fabrics at the top of the case and protect with softer fabrics like cotton or cashmere on top, use laundry bags to protect them from possible snagging.

Take your best jewellery with you on the flight, there’s less risk of it going amiss and at least you will look glam should your luggage go astray!

Bon voyage!